What is Slingshot: Definition and 62 Discussions

A slingshot is a small hand-powered projectile weapon. The classic form consists of a Y-shaped frame held in the non-dominant hand, with two natural-rubber strips or tubes attached to the upper two ends. The other ends of the strips lead back to a pocket that holds the projectile. The dominant hand grasps the pocket and draws it back to the desired extent to provide power for the projectile—up to a full span of the arm with sufficiently long bands.
Other names include catapult (United Kingdom), gulel (India), getis / gulel (Nepal), kettie (South Africa), or ging, shanghai, pachoonga (Australia and New Zealand).

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  1. D

    I Lunar Slingshot Maglev: NASA's Energy Savings for Mars & Beyond

    Has NASA considered building a maglev on the moon so we can use the lunar mass and momentum to gain higher energy savings for missions to Mars and beyond? A spacecraft can be catapulted toward the destination with its rocket engines off and only turn them back on to course correct or slow down...
  2. Q

    Orbital Slingshot and Conservation of Momentum Confusion

    Hello, I am an undergrad and am in an introductory level astrophysics course. I have a bit of confusion that I didn't know where to get help from so I made an account here. Please let me know if I miss some common etiquette or something... I don't understand how the slingshot maneuver...
  3. P

    Calculating Slingshot Projectile Motion - Finding Initial Velocity

    Homework Statement "The slingshot exerts 40 N for 0.25 s. If Red bird is released 5 meters above the ground, and kills the pig, how far away is the pig?" m = 0.75 kg; angle = 45 degrees Homework Equations x = (initial velocity in x-direction) * (time)[/B]The Attempt at a Solution In order to...
  4. K

    Solving Slingshot Problem Homework

    Homework Statement Homework Equations Elastic potential energy = 1/2 * C * u^2 Ek = 1/2 * m * v^2 Efficiency = useful output/total input The Attempt at a Solution a) My main problem is to find the length of tension force. From the graph i can see that 12 cm corresponds to 100N, so i...
  5. G

    I EPQ Project: Build a Slingshot for 780g Projectile 100m Range

    For my epq project I decided to create a slingshot which would fire a 780g projectile 100m. Then I looked up how to do the maths for it i.e the force needed, the tension in the rope etc. And I could find nothing. if anyone wants to help it would be appreciated: 780g projectile, 100m range and...
  6. J

    Solving Spinning Slingshot Homework: Initial Velocity & Components

    Homework Statement A rock initially at rest in a sling of length r meters is brought to a speed of n rotations per second after three complete revolutions. It is then released , leaving the sling at an angle of θ above horizontal. When the rock is released, write the initial velocity and...
  7. C

    Why is the efficiency of a rubber band slingshot constant

    Homework Statement I need to explain for a lab, why the efficiency of a rubber band slingshot constant for different stretch lengths. I don't need math, just a general explanation of why kinetic energy of projectile/elastic potential energy in rubber band is constant. Homework EquationsThe...
  8. DoobleD

    The "agent" of energy flow for a gravitational slingshot?

    Here is a gravitational slingshot figure from some homework exercise : ##m_1## is a small mass, say, a space probe, and ##m_s## is Saturn. The direction of ##m_1##'s velocity completely reverse direction due to Saturn's pull. ##m_1## come from very far away and end up very far away as well at...
  9. A

    Ball Launcher Project for school (hit the target)

    << Mentor Note -- this thread is temporarily being allowed in the technical Engineering forums as long as the OP does the bulk of the work >> Here's the deal, I have to create a device that can launch ball, that bounces into a target that is 5 meters away. The targets are circular, one is 22"...
  10. G

    What is the work done on a slingshot?

    Homework Statement Homework Equations The given elastic force equation The Attempt at a Solution I plugged in the numbers, with 0.2m for the change in s and 45 for a. Since I knew that work was equal to force * distance, I multiplied that result by another 0.2m. This got me 0.0144J, or...
  11. N

    What effects the displacement of object from a slingshot

    hey, What would be the things that effect the displacement of an object when fired from a slingshot? I assume that is would be mass, distance the rubber is pulled back, the speed of release for the rubber and the angle. But in what was would they effect the displacement. What are the formulas...
  12. K

    High school physics problem involving a spring slingshot

    Homework Statement For a grade 12 physics project we have to stretch a spring along an inclined plane and then let go so that it hits a target. I know the mass of the spring, the angle of the incline, the height of the incline (how high the front of the spring would be off the ground before...
  13. M

    How Does a Gravitational Slingshot Affect Spacecraft Velocity?

    Homework Statement Relative to space, a spacecraft moving at velocity v in the y direction (y is upwards, x to the right) is getting closer to a planet moving at velocity u in the opposite y direction. The spacecraft does a hyperbolic trajectory with eccentricity sqrt(2) so that it ends up...
  14. Iulian Ionescu

    Dyson slingshot & Neutron stars

    Hi, I am currently working on a Sci/Fi short story where a spaceship leaving a planet will perform a gravitational assist sling through a binary neutron star system. The problem is that I have difficulty finding information about how close a planet could be to a binary neutron star system? I...
  15. N

    How Do You Calculate Slingshot Maneuver Dynamics for a Space Probe?

    Really need help with this past exam question for revison: Homework Statement A probe performs slingshot maoeuvre around planet. Mass of planet is 9x10^22kg. Mass of probe is 4x10^2 kg and approaches planet from a great distance with relative speed 2x10^3 m/s and impact parameter 6x10^7...
  16. G

    Solving Physics for Human Slingshot Model in Excel

    I want to build a fun, but potentially dangerous toy - a human slingshot (into a lake). I'm trying to figure out the physics of a contraption like this but it's been 20 years since I took a physics class. The formulas I'm finding online are giving me some unrealistic numbers, so I know I'm...
  17. C

    Fnet = ma Ff = -0.3375/0.08 = -4.219N

    Homework Statement You shoot a 0.08 kg box across the ground with 60 N/m slingshot, stretched back 0.15m. The box slides 4.22m before coming to a stop. What is the force of friction acting on the box as it slides across the ground? Homework Equations EPE = 1/2kx^2 The Attempt at a...
  18. T

    Had an, oh, that's how moment - Slingshot manuever

    Had an, "oh, that's how" moment - Slingshot manuever So I've pondered on this off and on, could never see how it was possible, suddenly it just hit me.. tell me if I'm correct. In order to gain speed the object is using the orbital (or simply directional) trajectory of another. It allows...
  19. P

    Fairground 'Slingshot' physics

    Homework Statement For an assignment I am to find the physics behind one of those fairground slingshots. Specifically the maximum height and speed. We're given no data but we have to present our method, so I assume we just make it as realistic as possible and go from the most basic concept up...
  20. F

    Investigating Slingshot Physics: Finding Distance as a Function of Displacement

    I am investigating how the displacement of an elastic band affects the distance an attached object will travel (the relationship between how far back you pull a slingshot and the distance an object will travel). What I am trying to do is find a formula where distance traveled is a function of...
  21. T

    Proving the slingshot effect causes less speed for a space shuttle

    When a rocket approaches a planet from the front of it's orbit such as in the bottom drawing shown in the link <http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/724/slingshotph4.jpg>, the gravitationally assisted manoeuvre or slingshot affect will cause the shuttle's final velocity to be less than the...
  22. J

    Find the Force applied to a rock by a slingshot

    Homework Statement A sling shot can launch a 50gram rock at a speed of 24m/s if it is stretched .4meters before release. Find the average force applied to the rock Homework Equations Spring force = 1/2*k*x^2 1/2kx^2 = 1/2mv^2 The Attempt at a Solution tried to solve for K...
  23. R

    Orbital slingshot energy - energy from gravity?

    I am not a physicist, as will be indicated by what may turn out to be a ridiculous question, but this was something that popped into my head while day dreaming :shy: Star A Planet B Am I right in saying that if Planet B were to approach Star A at the correct angle, it could slingshot...
  24. S

    Calculating Force of Magnetic Slingshot - Soundstone

    Hello everyone, I'm trying to come up with a mathematical formula to calculate the force a magnet will be repelled at based on its current velocity when the charge flips polarity. For example if a point charge is located at (X, Y) and a magnet is being pulled in from position (X + 10, Y + 15)...
  25. V

    Displacement of mass fired by a slingshot problem

    Homework Statement A catapult (slingshot) is used to fire a ball of mass 0.2kg vertically into the air. The elastic is stretched so that there is a tension of 40N in both 'sides' of the slingshot, ie on the elastic on either side of the mass (I am trying to describe a diagram here, so...
  26. O

    Solving Spacecraft Slingshot Homework

    Homework Statement Spacecrafts can gain in mechanical energy as they encounter a planet. This may appear as a violation of the conservation of mechanical energy, but it is not. The gained energy is at the expense of the orbital energy of the planet. The easiest way to see how this works in...
  27. N

    A slingshot rotates counterclockwise on the circle x^2+y^2=9

    Homework Statement Suppose a slingshot rotates clockwise along the circle x^2 + y^2 = 9 and the rock is released at the point (2.99,0.77). If the rock travels 200 feet, where does it land? Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I think you might have to find the tangent at...
  28. G

    Water balloon slingshot velocity question

    Hey all, I have a potentially stupid question based on the following problem: "A boy on a small hill aims his water-balloon slingshot horizontally, straight at a second boy hanging from a tree branch a distance d away, Fig. 3-26. At the instant the water balloon is released, the second boy...
  29. A

    Gravitational Slingshot Effect

    Please explain Gravitational Slingshot Effect? And when an object passes near from a planet, why it doesn't start orbiting around the planet? Why the object is pushed away even when there is attractive force (Gravity) between object and planet ..?
  30. Z

    How would one caclulate the G forces of the slingshot effect?

    You know how you can use a planets gravity to speed up. How exactly would you calculate the G force and speed you would gain when say using this effect on Jupiter? Wouldn't you use centripetal acceleration?
  31. X

    What is a 'Gravitational Slingshot'?

    I was wondering, since I've heard it said so many times. They space probes use gravitational slingshots. Okay, I get it, a probe goes around a planet or something, and when it goes around the other side, its faster right? Well...how exactly does it work? 1: How does a Gravitational Slingshot...
  32. S

    Calculating velocity in a slingshot

    Homework Statement I launched a projectile from a slingshot to different distances by pulling the band back different distances. The projectile was launched horizontally, and the slingshot was a fixed height, 48 cm, above ground. Known Data for the first run: Height: 48 cm Distance the band...
  33. T

    Discharged electrodes and charges: electric slingshot

    Homework Statement working on feasability of a new satellite launcher that will save rocket fue. the design of the launcher is an electric slingshot. the launcher consists of 4 electrodes arranged in a horizontal square with sides 5 m long. the square of electrodes is mounted so that the...
  34. S

    Calculating Potential and Kinetic Energy in a Slingshot Physics Problem

    Homework Statement A slingshot consists of a light leather cup, containing a stone, that is pulled back against two parallel rubber bands. It takes a force of 15 N to stretch either one of these bands 1.0 cm. (a) What is the potential energy stored in the two bands together when a 50-g...
  35. S

    How Can I Graph a Slingshot Method Problem in Polar Coordinates?

    I trying to figure the hyperbola curve for a object heading towards Jupiter like a satellite [voyager] how would you graph the equation in polar cord. i know the speed of the object at time zero is 40m/s at a distance of 5000,000 kilometers from Jupiter center i know Newton...
  36. F

    Gravitational slingshot as a weapon

    Since we use the gravitational slingshot to accelerate spacecraft essentially without fuel, could that be used to put a large rock into a solar orbit at a high enough velocity to be a weapon? It seems to me we have the technology to make a weapon like this in an orbit that can be nudged...
  37. C

    How high will a stone shot from a slingshot go?

    Homework Statement (A)A rubber band slingshot shoots a 25g stone What is the intial speed of a stone if the rubber band is drawn back 0.15m with a force of 27N? (B) How high will the stone rise if it is shot straight upward? m=0.025kg x=0.15m F=27N Homework Equations Ep=1/2Fx For...
  38. A

    Slingshot, need Position/time, acceleration and velocity formulas

    Homework Statement What is the acceleration,position,and velocity formula for the launch of a slingshot. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I just don't know where to start tbh... I really need help i put this off and its due tommorrow... If someone could respond i can...
  39. P

    The gravitational slingshot effect

    The gravitational slingshot effect. In the diagram below, the planet Saturn moving in the negative xdirection at its orbital speed (with respect to the Sun) of 9.6 km/s. The mass of Saturn is 5.96 × 1026 kg. A spacecraft with mass 825 kg approaches Saturn. When far from Saturn, it moves in the...
  40. C

    Satellite Slingshot manoeuvre question

    I've already attempted to work everything out by the way but my answers seem a little off. Homework Statement A satellite performs a sling shot manoeuvre around a planet. The mass of the planet is 6.00 * 10^{24} kg and the mass of the satellite is 7.00 * 10^{2} kg. The satellite approaches...
  41. M

    Spring-based Slingshot energy transfer

    Homework Statement I am working on an AP physics project, and the assignment is to launch a golf ball accurately at close (10 - 15m) and long (50-60m) range. My group and I have decided on a spring based slingshot that will consist of a T shaped launcher with two springs (one on each side of...
  42. S

    Work/force/kinematics slingshot problem

    [b]1. An average force of 8.2 Newtons is used to pull a .4 kg rock, stretching a sling shot 43 centimeters. The rock is shot downward from a bridge 18 meters above a stream. What will be the velocity of the rock just before it hits the water? How much time will it take to hit the water...
  43. N

    Building a Slingshot in a 1m Cube - Grade 12 Physics Project

    Well... I am in grade 12 Physics and we were asked to make a Slingshot to fit within a 1 meter cube. If anyone has any ideas or know any websites with plans to making one.. it will be very helpful Thank you.
  44. G

    Analyzing an Oscillating Slingshot System

    A ball of mass m is connected to two rubber bands of length, L, each under tension T, as in Figure P12.49. The ball is displaced by a small distance y perpendicular to the length of the rubber bands. (a) Assuming that the tension does not change, show that the restoring force is -2yT/L ...
  45. U

    How Would Space Travel Change Without the Slingshot Effect?

    Homework Statement If the slingshot effect did not exist, outline what changes would have to be made to spacecraft so they could still make the journeys they make in the same time. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution alot of research on the topic of the slingsjot...
  46. M

    Slingshot Physics: Calculating Projectile Speed from a Building's Height

    This one has me stuck, any help would be greately appreciated, cheers, mac A slingshot fires a pebble from the top of a building at a speed of 14.0m/s. The building is 31.0m tall. Ignoring air resistance, find the speed with which the pebble strikes the ground when the pebble is fired (a)...
  47. K

    Physics Slingshot Project Help

    Ok, a friend and I are trying to construct a somewhat large slingshot for a physics project. We want to be able to construct it and fire it with such accuracy that it can project a basketball into a hoop, some predetermined distance away.. Two questions: Is it possible to gain the accuracy and...
  48. B

    Moon slingshot powered atmosphere scoop?

    Here is the scheme: A craft from Earth slingshots around the moon back towards the earth, gaining some speed (and slowing the moons orbit slightly). a few days later it expends this energy skimming the Earth's atmosphere, scooping some atmosphere into its tanks. It heads back towards the moon...
  49. J

    Need help w/Speed of a Slingshot problem

    Homework Statement Question: To find the speed of a ball bearing launched from a wrist rocket (sling-shot) you take aim at a 55 gallon steel drum exactly 78 meters from you. You hear the "clunk" of impact 0.7 seconds after you "let fly." If the speed of sound on that particular day is 330...
  50. J

    Need help w/Speed of a Slingshot problem

    Question: To find the speed of a ball bearing launched from a wrist rocket (sling-shot) you take aim at a 55 gallon steel drum exactly 78 meters from you. You hear the "clunk" of impact 0.7 seconds after you "let fly." If the speed of sound on that particular day is 330 m/s, how fast must the...
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